HIDTA Task Force Makes Five Arrests, Seizes Over 20 Pounds of Meth

On Friday, July 19, 2013, the Central Florida HIDTA (High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area)* task force arrested five suspects and seized approximately 23 pounds of Methamphetamine in the Haines City area.

Detectives received information about two men believed to be distributing Meth in Haines City. They began an investigation, established probable cause, and responded to the home of 33-year-old Juan Arteaga-Orozco (DOB 4/8/80) at 95 George M Road in Haines City (believed to be a 'stash house') and served a search warrant. There they seized over 8.5 pounds of processed Meth and over 11 pounds of liquid Meth. They also recovered a firearm. Juan was placed under arrest.

Detectives also conducted a traffic stop on 37-year-old Enrique Arteaga (DOB 7/14/1976) (Juan's brother), and he had a half-pound of Meth in his possession. They served a search warrant at his residence, 2401 Citrus Blvd in Haines City, and seized approximately 1 pound of Meth inside, about 2 pounds of Meth buried in the backyard, two firearms, and over $34,000 cash. Their mother, 61-year-old Candelaria Arteaga (DOB 11/14/1951) of 95 George M Road was also arrested.

Two other suspects were identified during this investigation, and subsequently arrested.

"I'm very proud of our HIDTA Task Force and all the hard work they do getting drugs off the street and putting drug dealers in jail. Likewise, the large amount of money we seized will go back into fighting crime and putting bad guys in jail, which is extremely satisfying." - Sheriff Grady Judd.